Here’s a classic, hearty meatloaf with a rich tomato-beef sauce — comforting and perfect for Sunday dinner.
🍽️ Classic Meatloaf with Tomato Beef Sauce
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
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2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
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2 large eggs
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup milk
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For the Tomato Beef Sauce:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cup tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment.
2️⃣ Make the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Mix gently (don’t overwork it).
Shape into a loaf and place in pan or on baking sheet.
3️⃣ Bake
Bake for 45 minutes.
4️⃣ Prepare the Tomato Beef Sauce
While meatloaf bakes:
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Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Sauté onion 3–4 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
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Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, spoon some sauce over the meatloaf.
Return to oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with remaining warm sauce spooned over the top.
🥔 Serving Ideas
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Mashed potatoes
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Buttered green beans
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Roasted carrots
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Garlic bread
If you’d like, I can also give you:
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A Southern-style version
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A cheesy stuffed meatloaf
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Or a slow cooker version